• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Scope
• Section 3 - Principles
• Progress Monitoring
• Coursework 
• Seminars
• Research Integrity Training 
• Academic Progress Measures
• Appeals and Grievances
• Section 4 - Responsibilities
• Section 5 -  Procedure
• Section 6 - Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This Policy outlines the principles for supporting the academic progress of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates at the University of Canberra (University).

Section 2 - Scope

(2) This Policy applies to HDR courses and candidates.

(3) This Policy does not apply to undergraduate (including Honours) or postgraduate coursework courses and students covered by the Admission Policy (Coursework).

Section 3 - Principles

Progress Monitoring

(4) University policy and practice relating to HDR courses will encourage and assist candidates to achieve the objectives of their research project, acquire transferable skills, and complete the academic requirements for award of the relevant degree within the approved course duration.

(5) The progress of candidates in HDR courses is monitored to ensure the candidate’s satisfactory progress towards submission and completion.

(6) Ongoing assessment of progress occurs through regular supervisory contact and the achievement of mandatory milestones.

(7) Faculties must formally review the progress of HDR candidates annually via the Annual Progress Report (APR).

Coursework 

(8) Candidates enrolled in courses that include a coursework component are required to complete the specified coursework units to at least a pass level.

(9) Failure to achieve the required level will result in academic progress measures being implemented.

Seminars

(10) Candidates are required to complete the following seminars:

1. Introductory seminar;
2. Confirmation of Candidature seminar (includes written submission);
3. Work in progress seminar (doctoral candidates only); and
4. Pre-submission seminar.

(11) Enrolment in the HDR course remains provisional until Confirmation of Candidature is achieved.

(12) Failure to achieve Confirmation of Candidature by the due date may result in academic progress measures being implemented.

Research Integrity Training 

(13) Candidates must successfully complete the University’s Research Integrity Training modules prior to Confirmation of Candidature.

Academic Progress Measures

(14) If progress issues are identified through the monitoring and completion of milestones, the Faculty must initiate a Progress Support Strategy (PSS).

(15) PSS provides a formal avenue to assist candidates who are not progressing as expected and requires formal intervention by the supervisory panel and Faculty Associate Dean, Research (ADR).

(16) Failure by the candidate to fulfil the conditions of or appropriately engage with PSS will result in the candidate being placed on Academic Probation.

(17) Failure to fulfil the conditions or to appropriately engage with Academic Probation will result in the candidate being discontinued from the course. See the Higher Degree by Research Progress and Milestones Procedure for detailed information on the Progress Support Strategy and Academic Probation.

Appeals and Grievances

(18) Candidates are permitted to appeal academic and administrative decisions and actions relating to progress and milestones.

(19) As outlined in the Student Grievance Resolution Policy, an appeal or grievance relating to progress or milestones should in the first instance, be handled informally where possible, between the candidate and Primary Supervisor or other panel member/s as appropriate.

(20) If informal resolution is not possible, the procedures outlined in the Student Grievance Resolution Policy apply.

Section 4 - Responsibilities

Section 5 -  Procedure

(21) Refer to Higher Degree by Research Progress and Milestones Procedure.

Section 6 - Definitions